KUCHING: The eighth edition of the Samarahan Bike Challenge, to be held on May 26, continues to serve as an avenue for the young generation of cyclists to grow.
Minister for Youth, Sports and Entrepreneur Development, Datuk Seri Abdul Karim Rahman Hamzah said the organisers have introduced two new categories, namely the Junior category (aged 16 to 21) and Youth Development (aged 15 and under).
“We want to expand the development of cycling where we want to make Sarawak a sports powerhouse by developing a generation of young cyclists.
”That’s why the organisers created the youth development race category, we want to find young cyclists and train them from young to becoming professionals,” he said.
Abdul Karim was addressing a press conference held at the Baitulmakmur II building here on Thursday (May 16).
Adding further, he said the new category will give young cyclists an opportunity to compete and prepare for the upcoming Malaysia Games (SUKMA) in August.
“This category offers opportunity to other young cyclists to compete, to test their endurance, capacity and strength as well as hone their talents,” he said.
He then said the newly featured categories will potentially open pathways for young cyclists in Sarawak to advance forward.
The Samarahan Bike Challenge 2024 will feature five other categories namely – Sarawak Closed Criterion, Men’s Open (aged 16 and above), Master A (aged 35 to 44), Master B (aged 45 and above), Ladies (aged 16 and above).
Following that, cash prizes totalling RM22,800 will be awarded to the top ten cyclists in each category.
The Samarahan Bike Challenge is expected to welcome around 219 participants, with 193 cyclists from Malaysia and 26 international cyclists representing Brunei Darussalam (11), Indonesia (10), New Zealand (1), Canada (1), Germany (1) and the British Virgin Islands (2).
